MTSU starts its season against Alabama A&M at 6 p.m. Saturday at Floyd Stadium. Here are five things to watch:

New receivers

The biggest story line coming out of preseason camp was the loss of three key receivers (Shane Tucker, Terry Pettis and Joc Bruce). Now it’s up to a new crop starting with walk-on Patrick Smith and freshman Ty Lee to add something new to the table. How quarterback Brent Stockstill clicks with these new receivers and how they complement 2015 All-American Richie James will be something to watch.

I’Tavius Mathers’ debut

Murfreesboro native and former Ole Miss tailback I’Tavius Mathers last touched the ball in 2014 but had a strong preseason camp. His upper-body strength and quick reads are key to developing a powerful and efficient run game this year. He’s undoubtedly the guy.

Offensive production

Stockstill hired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin in January after Buster Faulkner left MTSU for Arkansas State. Franklin last served as offensive coordinator in 2009 when MTSU won its only bowl game. Now Franklin is back with his spread system, and although the Blue Raiders have run the spread previously, it’ll be interesting to see how they operate under Franklin. The Blue Raiders were ranked 32nd in total offense in the country last year. Could they surpass that this season?

New faces on the defense

The Blue Raiders replaced three starting linebackers, two starting safeties and a defensive lineman in the offseason. Most of the new starters like linebackers D.J. Sanders and Alex Dale saw the field last year and contributed off the bench. Now, they will be leaned on to produce each game as a cohesive unit.

New kicker

Canon Rooker, who served as last year’s kickoff-specialist, replaces Cody Clark, who hit 75 percent of his field goals last season. Consistency is something MTSU is looking for, and Rooker has a talented freshman (Crews Holt) behind him on the depth chart. Rooker’s leg and accuracy is definitely something to watch.